Havar Bauck, Founder of Hotel Online, says: “UNESCO World Heritage status is an official recognition by the United Nations that a site is among the most important in the world. Many people put these sites on their bucket lists. It is a status that guides people’s travel decisions so the status alone will attract people on its own merit. If it is properly marketed in addition to that, the sky is the limit.
I was quoted in Tourism Update on Gedi’s new UNESCO World Heritage status, where I argued that the designation can help attract travellers and support a more diverse tourism strategy for Kenya. I also stressed that turning that recognition into long-term value will depend on better visitor experience, infrastructure, and stronger storytelling around the site.